STUDENTS IN FEAR AFTER
88 ASSAULTS IN 6 MONTHS
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
STUDENTS have been left in fear for
their safety after a spate of crime in
Brynmill and Uplands.
The mugging of a woman last week
was the 88th violent offence reported
in the area in the last six months, and
a man has just been arrested and
charged after dozens of cars were
vandalised in late-night attacks.
The mugging in Brynmill last Tuesday
left a woman in hospital with a head
injury. The 56-year-old was walking
home along Rhyddings Park Road at
9.30pm on Tuesday, December 4 when
she was approached from behind by
more than one person, who pushed
her to the ground, stole her handbag
and ran off.
The victim could not give a
description of her attackers because
of the low lighting in the area and
because she was targeted from
behind. Her handbag and contents
were later found nearby.
The attack left the woman with a
head injury and she was taken to

Morriston Hospital for treatment.
The area has a history of crime, with
88 violent crimes reported in the last
six months.
Some students have raised issues
of safety, with Sarah Eamer, a Physics
student speaking about her mugging
last academic year: “I got mugged in
Singleton Park at like 5:30pm, it wasn’t
even dark. Never walked through
there again for the whole year. Really
shook me up!”

Knifepoint
Emma Hill, a Genetics and Marine
Biology student said: “Someone tried
to mug me at knifepoint in second
year. It was in broad daylight but
luckily he didn’t take anything and I
was unhurt (a swift kick to the groin
area helped with that one - not that I’d
advocate it being the best way to deal
with an attacker!)”
Detective Inspector Darren George,
of Swansea Central CID, speaking
to the Evening Post, said: “This was
a cowardly attack on a lone female
who was making her way home after
finishing work.

“The incident has occurred in a
residential area, which also has a
high student population, and has
happened at the time of night when
many students may have been going
out for the evening or returning to
their accommodation.
“A number of residents in the vicinity
were aware of the attack as they heard
the victim screaming and some went
to help her.
“I am appealing to anyone who
was in the area at the time and saw
the incident or has any relevant
information to come forward.”
Charlotte Britton, Welfare Officer,
urged people to stay vigilant and
report anything they might see: “If
anyone thinks they might have seen
anything regarding this crime being
committed, no matter how small, we
urge you to contact the police.”
Police are appealing for information
following the attack. You can call the
police non-emergency line on 101 or
Swansea Central CID on 01792 450 618
Meanwhile, a spate of vandalism on
cars in student areas has resulted in
South Wales Police charging a 28-year-

INSIDE
NEWS

MEMBERS of Swansea University’s Duke of Edinburgh Society set
up a Santa’s Grotto with a difference in JC’s coffee side. They built
their den entirely out of cardboard boxes and invited students
to spin the wheel for £1.50 to win an alcoholic drink and sit on
Santa’s knee (if they wished!)
Half of the money raised will be used to help support the society’s
expeditions, while the other half will go to mental health charity
MInd.

by Jon May

Free
Issue 222
10 December 2012
waterfrontonline.co.uk

FEATURES

old man with 52 counts of criminal
damage to a vehicle.
A statement from South Wales Police
said: “Over the last two months officers
have received 29 reports of vehicles
having their tyres slashed using a knife
or a sharp instrument.”

Danger
The man has been released on
conditional bail to appear at Swansea
Magistrates Court on Wednesday 19th
December.
Acting Chief Inspector Steve Jones
of the Central Police Station Swansea
said: “I want to express my gratitude to
two members of the community who
assisted the police on Friday evening,
without their help this person might
have avoided arrest.
“This male had clearly placed the
lives of motorists in danger; thankfully
his actions did not result in something
more serious. This arrest evidences
how communities and the police can
work well together.”
Officers are asking anyone with
information to contact police on 101
or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

STUDENTS can no longer request
an adjustment of their marks
because they face extenuating
circumstances.
Under changes to the university’s
extenuating circumstances policy,
they will be offered an extension or a
re-sit instead.
The university has also set out
clearly what may be considered an
extenuating circumstance, and it is
also emphasising that students should
ask for help before rather than after a
deadline or exam has passed.
The changes have been agreed in
consultation with the students’ union
and all students should have received
a leaflet and e-mail about the new
policy.
The changes have been made
to bring Swansea’s approach into
line with other universities in the
country, so that all claims are treated
consistently and fairly.
The term ‘extenuating circumstances’
means serious and acute problems or
events that are beyond a student’s
control or ability to foresee.
The fundamental change is that
the university will no longer alter
marks on the basis of extenuating
circumstances. Students will be
assessed according to their actual
performance and not according to

EXAMS: Students will be offered a re sit.
their potential. As a result students will
no longer have the option of simply
asking the university to consider
adverse circumstances as part of the
assessment process.
Instead, students who are affected
by circumstances may be allowed
to take a particular assessment at a
later date, or given an extension, or a
penalty waiver.
“It is important that students inform
their college or department about
any circumstances affecting their
studies sooner rather than later. If
the college is made aware of such
circumstances before an assessment
deadline, staff will be able to give
students appropriate advice and the

college may be able to take steps such
as extending a deadline, or waiving a
penalty, or making arrangements for
the examination to be sat in a special
venue,” said academic registrar, Huw
Morris.
“Students may even be advised
to request to defer sitting an
examination. The message is clear –
students must speak to their tutors
before the deadline for submitting
work or before the examination.”
•Further information on the
policy is available at : www.swan.
ac.uk/registry/academicguide/
assessmentandprogress/
policyonextenuatingcircumstances

Switch Off campaign saves 7 per cent
by Adam Shirley

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
THE NUS’s ‘Student Switch Off’
campaign was well received by
Swansea University residents.
The aim of the campaign was to
encourage student action on climate
change, and achieved an average of
7% energy savings nationwide.
The campaign used prize incentives
to encourage students to be more
environmentally friendly.
The top prize for Swansea students
in the photo competition was free
bowling and food for 12 people at
Tenpin Bowling. Second place prize
was a litre of free Ben and Jerry’s, with
yet even more ice cream for third and
fourth place as well.
The first photo competition
encouraging the use of lids on pots,
was won by Alice Hobbs and Kat Carr.

WINNING ENTRY: Girls and bear.
Their photo ‘Girls and Bear’ won with
137 ‘likes’ on Facebook, over 30 more
than the second place photo.
The competition extends further to

residential area rivalries, Woodside,
Student Village, East Campus and West
Campus, competing to see which can
save the most energy, where the
winning accommodation area will win
an end of year party.
Swansea University’s environmental
executive, Simon Wilde thanked
volunteers who helped out on the
day of the competition. He said: “I
am really pleased to see so many
first years getting involved, and how
many actually already knew about the
campaign.”
Despite the apparent success of
the ‘Switch Off’ campaign, some
have commented that more can be
done to improve the university’s
environmental impact when lights
in Union House remain on in vacant
rooms overnight and projectors are
often left on.

Would you like to write for The Waterfront?
WOULD you like to learn valuable
journalistic skills and increase your
employability by volunteering for The
Waterfront?
We are looking for people to write
about news, sport and features.
The next edition of The Waterfront is
out on Monday, January 28, so if you

have an idea for a story or feature you
would like to write, please write to
editor@swansea-union.co.uk.
Gemma Parry, news editor, says:
“Working for the Waterfront has been
an experience that is both rewarding
and challenging. Since joining, my
writing style has improved in leaps

and bounds and I have met fantastic
people who are driven by the same
things that I am. “
Sam Booth, features editor, said:
“I’ve never laughed so much as
when I’m in the office. There’s lots
of journalism-related banter to get
involved with.”

Second campus
gets go ahead
by Rahul Vashisht

waterfrontci@swansea-union. co.uk
PLANNING permission has been
granted for the second campus of
Swansea University.
The £250m Science and Innovation
Campus will be built on Fabian Way
and will house new engineering and
science departments.
Work is expected to begin on site
early next year, with the project to
be finished for the 2015 intake of
students.
The Leader of Neath Port Talbot
Council, Councillor Ali Thomas,
said: ‘‘This project will provide a
considerable economic boost not
just for Neath Port Talbot but for
the wider region. It will support the
growth of highly skilled jobs and
knowledge-driven businesses and is
an exciting and outstanding example
of the major new developments
which the Fabian Way Corridor is
attracting.”

Date is set for
park lighting
by Rahul Vashisht

waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk
EFFORTS to improve the lighting
in Singleton Park have finally been
given a date for completion.
Swansea
University
Women’s
Officer Becki Warrillow said: “The
order [for renovation of the lights]
was placed by Swansea City at the
end of October, this should take 6-8
weeks and therefore work will start
around Christmas time.”
The park, which is used by
thousands of students walking to
and from university, has been the
scene of crimes in the past, leading
to many calls to make it safer for
students to walk through.
Start on the work had been delayed
by a dispute between Swansea City
Council and the university over who
was responsible for the lighting.
The work will renovate the lights
and improve visibility.

Reclaim the night
event is cancelled
by Gemma Parry

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
THE NUS led event, Reclaim the
Night, has been cancelled, much
to the disappointment of many
female and male students.
The popular event in Cardiff
attended primarily by women who
have experienced domestic violence,
was cancelled by NUS Wales on
Thursday 29 November.
There has been no formal
explanation, but it was stated on a
Facebook group that; “NUS Wales
has decided to postpone the march,
largely because participation was
projected to be so low.”

waterfrontonline.co.uk

NEWS I 03

Academics accuse universities of exploiting
overseas students as ‘cash cows’ to plug gap
by Jessica Rees and Chris Flynn
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

SWANSEA University is going all out
to recruit more overseas students to
help plug a multi-million pound gap
caused by falling student numbers.
Students from abroad pay more than
Welsh students for the same courses
and, with fewer UK students applying
to go to university following the
tripling of tuition fees, the university
wants to tap into the lucrative overseas
market.
The college of arts and humanities
(COAH), which saw a 27% drop in
student admissions this year, is facing
a £1.5m shortfall in funding as a result.
It is now preparing a huge
marketing campaign to recruit more
postgraduate students from abroad,
including a proposed “roadshow” next
year to several Chinese universities.
Professor John Spurr, head of COAH,
said: “Strategy from 2009 has been
to diversify our income streams by,
among other means, increasing
the number of post graduate and
especially overseas postgraduate
post graduate students… Since 2009

HEILONGJIANG: One of the Chinese universities being targeted by Swansea University.
numbers have increased but not on
the scale needed.”
Mahaboob Basha, Students’ Union
international officer, said overseas
students were much more likely
to sign up for business, science or
engineering courses than in arts and
humanities.
“Those degrees are much more
valued in Asian countries and they are
much more likely to get a good job
with one,” he said.
The move comes as UK universities

are being accused of using overseas
students as cash cows, and turning a
blind eye to the recruitment of underqualified recruits.
Prof Susan Bassnett, a former provice chancellor of Warwick University,
told the Times Higher Education
Supplement she had been asked to
“disregard linguistic competence and
focus on content” by some of her
peers. Some overseas students had
such poor English that they “wouldn’t
scrape a GCSE”, she said.

BBC Wales is now conducting
an investigation into claims from
lecturers in Wales that they are being
pressured to accept substandard work
from overseas students for financial
reasons. They will be examining MBA
dissertations from Swansea University
as part of that investigation.
One lecturer at a Welsh University
told the BBC: “Internationalisation in
itself is absolutely necessary for any
modern university - however, this is
not at any cost.
“We should be focusing on quality
and I would say that UK higher
education has suffered significant
reputational damage as a result of
the recruitment policies by many
universities.”
A Swansea University lecturer said
much stricter checks were needed on
students’ competence in English.
“Many of my overseas students are
amongst the most hard-working and
dedicated, but with some there is
definitely a problem with the standard
of English. Methods to assess English
language ability need to be far more
rigorous,” said the lecturer.
A Swansea University spokesperson
said: “The university provides clear

advice for students regarding the
linguistic level necessary for entry
to academic programmes. Students’
language qualifications are checked
on application to ensure they meet
UKBA regulations.
“We work extremely hard to ensure
that our international students have
the English language skills they require
for the academic courses they pursue.
“Students are continually assessed
during their study period and
have to provide example material
that indicates they have achieved
competency in language skills.
“Like all students, international
students are offered free academic
skills support classes via the Academic
Success Programme.”
Mahaboob Basha said: “Being an arts
and humanities student myself it’s
incredibly important that we follow
good practice from the sector in our
admissions procedures to recruit
international students.
“At the same time, as we pursue a
global presence, I think it’s important
to praise the University for creating
more opportunities for International
students to study at Swansea
University.”

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
UNIVERSITY students who display
drunken photos on their social
media profiles could be damaging
their chances of gaining job
interviews after they complete
their degree.
A recent survey of UK human
resources
professionals
found
that 90% of employers search for
unprotected social media profiles in
order to assess a candidate’s suitability
for a position.
Around 70% said they would turn
down an applicant who had drunken
or nude photos online.
The research suggested that the
majority of 18-25 year olds had
never reviewed their online profile,
even though it could potentially
have a great impact on their career
prospects.
According to the study, recruiters
were checking Facebook (85 per
cent); Twitter (47 per cent); YouTube
(23 per cent); Instagram (16 per cent);
Flickr (15 per cent).
Recruiters say that young adults are
not managing their profiles effectively,
with nearly half concluding that this
age group are unaware of the need to

HO HO HAMMERED: Pictures on sites such as Facebook could be damaging to prospects.
act responsibly online.
72% of recruiters rely on LinkedIn
to conduct their searches, although
only one in three employers fully trust
the information that candidates post

about themselves on the site.
65 per cent also view the content
they find online about a candidate as
very important.
Over half of the employers who

Housing Fair is another success

RELAX, DON’T DO IT: Charlotte Britton warns against ‘panic-renting’ by students who are looking for houses.
by Samantha Booth

waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk
FOR the second year running, the Housing
Advice Week has been successful in
informing students about private housing.
Run by the students’ union, a housing fayre
was held in the refectory featuring stalls from
Student Accommodation Services (SAS), Shelter
and Swansea Council departments.
The aim of advice week was to show students
how to rent stress-free and inform them of
everything they need to know about how,
when and where to find a house in January.
Charlotte Britton, the students’ union welfare
officer, organised the event to help students
find a house after Christmas:
“The Housing Advice Fayre was a great chance
to have a chat to students I didn’t get a chance
to see when we went knocking doors around
Brynmill and Uplands a few weeks ago.
“I’m sick of the same bad landlords filling their
houses every year and have had really crap
houses myself.

“As we can’t just tell everyone who the rubbish
landlords and agents are, I thought the best
way to create change would be to arm as many
people as possible with the information they
need to make a good choice.”
Charlotte is campaigning for students to wait
to find a house until the New Year and not to
panic about private renting:
“We were trying to explain why there’s no need
to rush and that waiting until after Christmas
can be much better for you – it gives you time
away from university to think about exactly
what you want and who you want to live with.”
In the New Year, the students’ union will
be running the first Housemating Service,
allowing students to find student housemates
with similar interests to you, or advertise a spare
room in a dedicate space on campus and online.
All resources from the housing fayre, including
the housing pack and the viewing checklist, will
be at www.swansea-union.co.uk/advice. For
those students who want to rate their landlord,
visit the same address and be in with a chance
of winning a week’s work of food and rent and
more.

partook in the survey say that they
had turned down a job applicant
based on their online profile.
Within a competitive job market,
there are major advantages for
savvy-candidates to differentiate
themselves by proactively managing,
and contributing to their online
profile.
In contrast, over two thirds of HR
professionals had been positively
influenced by the online presence of
a job applicant.
Tony Anscombe, Senior Security
Evangelist for AVG Technologies
which carried out the research said:
“AVG’s latest research shows that
the Internet and social networks
in particular, has changed the way
that HR professionals approach the
recruitment process.
“Nowadays, online content posted
about, or by a candidate, has become
the modern-day equivalent of a first
interview. Our research emphasises
that our digital brand is potentially
just as important as our CV.
“AVG encourages consumers to
take control of their online privacy
and more than ever, young adults
need to proactively manage their
online brand to avoid missing out on
career opportunities.”

Error leaves
email accounts
full to the brim
by Gemma Parry

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA University students
were bombarded with hundreds of
emails last Tuesday when an error
caused replies to go “to all” rather
than the sender.
The original email was sent by the
university on behalf of the students’
union.
It explained about a Higer
Education Achievement Report, an
employability project that Swansea
University students’ union education
officer, Zahid Raja, is currently
working on.
The email, which was sent to around
11,000 students, was intended
to be sent as a restricted email to
ensure that when students replied,
the replies would go straight to the
education officer.
However, the email was sent as
an unrestricted email, which meant
that all students could see all replies
and were receiving large amounts
of emails to both their student and
personal email accounts.
Mr Raja issued an apology on the
students’ union website, stating that
the university were “incredibly sorry
about the mess up”.

waterfrontonline.co.uk

NEWS I 07

Omani Day marked
by ‘best’ celebrations
by Samantha Booth

waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA University students took part in
the successful celebration of 42nd Omani
National Day, including a performance and a
visit from the ambassador of the Sultanate of
Oman.
The two-day celebration took place on 30
Nov - 1 Dec and included an exhibition, 7-a-side
football tournament and an evening’s celebration
featuring traditional Omani and Welsh dancing,
music, singing and food.
The students of the Omani Society hosted the
event after their bid was chosen to be held in
Swansea over other universities in the UK and it
took six months of organising for the celebration.
The event aimed to bring together university
staff and students and members of the local
community to celebrate the date in the Omani
national calendar.
The marquee on Friday had over 1600 visitors
and Saturday evening saw almost 900 people
attend, including 600 students from the UK.
The Vice Chancellor, Richard Davies, was a
guest speaker at the evening events and says
how honoured he felt to have the celebration
at Swansea University: “It was a huge privilege
for the university to host the Omani National
Day event in the UK this and year and for my

wife and myself personally to be able to join
the 650 Omani students and their relatives, and
Omani Embassy staff in an evening of ebullient
celebration.
“We have added Oman to our list of holiday
destinations. Particular congratulations go to the
Swansea Omani students and the students’ union
for this excellent organisation of the event.”
Raymond Chibrowoski, Registrar at the
university, said: “I was delight to be invited by
the student society to see the exhibition which
showcased Omani culture and heritage and
enjoyed taking part in the celebrations.
“Our students’ union international officer
Mahaboob Basha has been working very hard,
with the very supportive efforts of Mohsen
El-Beltagi, Islamic Student Adviser for the
university, and Nick Bradley, Senior International
Officer, on this and other successful international
events which bring together university staff,
students and members of the local community
to celebrate many aspects of international life.”
Manaf Al-fadhil, President of the Omani Society
at Swansea University expressed his delight for
the success of the event:
“I am really happy of how the event went. It was
over my expectations, almost 2000 people came
to the exhibition and 800 people to the main
event almost double my expectations.
“It was a real pleasure meeting people like the
Ambassador who told us that this was the best

Action on unpaid internships
by Samantha Booth

waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk
ADVERTISING unpaid internships could
become illegal from next year.
Labour MP, Hazel Blears has introduced the
proposal into partliament and said she had
cross-party support for her 10-minute rule bill,
which seeks to ban job postings for placement
that break national minimum wage law.
A survey commissioned by the National Union
of Students, found that 20% of 18-24-year-olds
had done an unpaid internship, finding that the
takeup of such internships may have grown
tenfold in the last 20 years.
Discrimination law covers job advertisements
but promoting unpaid internships is not
currently unlawful.
Blears said to The Guardian in regards to
whether this change might damage the
jobs recruitment industry: “They shouldn’t
be advertising positions that are essentially
unlawful, should they? They are almost
colluding in what is a really unfair situation. I’m
sure they wouldn’t want to do that.”
Swansea English Literature graduate, Lucinda
Reid completed three unpaid internships before
starting her post-graduate course in Cardiff: “A
paid internship would have been fantastic as it
would have made me feel that the work I did
there was actually beneficial to the company, as
it was worth them paying me for.
“As some of my internships were in London it
would have also helped with the cost of trains
which was about £100 a week.
“However I can understand why companies
do not pay interns as there is such a high
demand for each position they don’t need
to offer money to get workers. Hopefully this
attitude will change one day and interns will

INTERNSHIPS: Students should be paid for the
work they do.
get paid fairly for the work they do.”
A third-year Law student said that the unpaid
internships were financially stressful, but worth
it: “I have taken 15 unpaid internships and they
have helped me to get a place on the post grad
of my dreams. The longest one was 10 weeks at
a think tank.
“A degree doesn’t mean you can do your
job confidently so I think work experience is
important to come across motivated.”
Danielle Grufferty, a former unpaid intern and
the NUS vice-president, said to The Guardian:
“Asking people to live and work for free is wrong.
The current situation in which young people are
expected to undertake many months of unpaid
work in order to gain sufficient experience
simply must not go on any longer.
“The unpaid internships can be advertise at
all is anomaly that needs rectifying, which is
why we very much welcome this proposed
legislation.”

event that he ever went to in his diplomatic
career. It really was worth the six months of
preparation and planning.”
Josh Hayman, one of the key organisers of
the event, hopes for the students’ union to host
similar events in the future: “The event was a
great success and was testament to the hard
work put in by the students’ union and Omani
Society in Swansea.
“It was great to see so many of our alumni and
students travelling here from Universities across
the UK and even France.”
Melissa Chisholm, a second-year History
student who attended the evening event said:
“It was great to attend an event with a variety of
acts and entertainment and the atmosphere was
one that couldn’t be captured.”

POPULAR student night ‘Flux’ hosted
a charity gig in a bid to raise awareness
of the exploitation of workers
worldwide.
The first gig of its kind to take place at
Flux, the live music event championed
local talent by welcoming five local acts
to the stage.
The event was arranged by The People
and Planet Society in collaboration with
the Students’ Union which took place
as part of ‘Badidas Week’ - a campaign
which calls for the fair treatment of
Adidas employees abroad.
Throughout the week events were
organised to raise funds and awareness
and ask students to join a cause which
demands the ethical treatment of
workers everywhere.
The Monday before saw students
across campus sign a petition, postcards
and letters which vocalised the concerns
of The People and Planet Society.
The following Thursday ran events in
which speakers from People and Planet
and Labour behind the Label spoke out
against exploitation of workers abroad.
One of whom relayed the appreciation
of workers at the PT Kizone factory in
Indonesia towards students in the UK for

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making so much noise about this issue.
The five acts, SpecialJ, Beth Angharad,
PrayNTell,The Singletons and Expendable
performed under the slogan ‘Kids in
school, Not Sweatshops’ to a growing
audience. The proceeds from the night
were donated to People and Planet to aid
the development of their campaign.
Vice president of the Live Music Society
and Drummer of Expendable said:“It was
great to see live music back in Divas. The
collaboration with People and Planet
worked really well.
“We got to share audiences, raise
money and widen exposure for a really
good cause. The evening was a real
triumph, and hopefully one that we can
replicate in the near future!“
The proceeds collected from the £3
entry fee equalled an impressive £240
which afforded members of the People
and Planet Society to travel to the Adidas
outlet in Bridgend in order to picket the
factory.
Student’s Union Ethics Officer Rob
Abrams said: “ We did this so that we can
apply pressure on Adidas, in the sense
that where ever they have a presence, we
will be there to raise our concerns.”
“So many more students have been
made aware and now Adidas, who
operate mostly as a branding initiative,
are having pressure put on them by
students across the UK for what they

WOMEN’S officer Becki Warrillow has commissioned a
series of maps to help students get the most out of their
local area. The first to be released is a map of Uplands.
“As part of one of my manifesto points I said I would
deliver maps of main student areas around Swansea which
highlight where key points are for student safety and general
knowledge; some of these points are taxi ranks, free cash

points and phone booths,” she said.
“The Uplands map is the first of five maps, these will cover;
Uplands, Brynmill, Sketty, Hendrefoelan and Killay. They will
also be uploaded to the website for easier access if you are
on the move.
“For more information read my blog post:
www.swansea-union.co.uk/union/officers/beckiwarrillow.”

waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA University Honorary Fellow, Lowri
Morgan has opened a new teaching facility on
campus, in a ceremony held by the university’s
branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
The intrepid S4C presenter from Gowerton
is famous for completing extreme endurance
challenges and she gave a talk inspiring students by
drawing on her own experience and talking about
how best to achieve ambitions and face some of
life’s biggest challenges.
The new facility, a multipurpose teaching room,
will be a useful resource for students and enable
them to participate in both seminars and lectures in
various establishments due to the latest e-learning
technologies.
The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol is a national
body which plays a key role in planning, supporting
and developing Welsh medium education and
scholarship at universities in Wales.
Professor Iwan Davies, Swansea University’s Pro
Vice Chancellor said: ‘ The new learning space will
substantially boost the Welsh language provision at
Swansea University and is a worthwhile investment
for the future.
“I look forward to seeing staff and students share
ideas and discuss the potential of working across
academic disciplines during the forum.”
Dr Ioan Matthews, Chief Executive of the Coleg
Cymraeg Cenedlaethol concluded: “By working
with institutions, the Coleg has already established
learning spaces which include the latest video
conferencing equipment to enable co-operative

CELEBRITY: S4C Presenter, Lowri Morgan,
opened the new facility.
teaching provision through the medium of Welsh
within six universities across Wales. We are thrilled
to launch this learning space in the college’s branch
at Swansea University and are confident that the
investment will boost the opportunities available
to study through the medium of Welsh at Swansea
University.’”

waterfronttci@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA University students are
being asked to reveal their experiences
with the sex industry, as part of
research being carried out by the new
Student Sex Workers Project.
The Swansea-based project was
founded this September, after receiving a
£500,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
The project sent out a survey in the
Swansea University Newsletter last week
asking students to disclose their attitudes
toward, and possible experiences with,
the adult entertainment industry.
Earlier this year The Waterfront revealed
that some Swansea students were
working as prostitutes in order to pay off
their debts.
Deborah Jones, co-founder of the
project, said: “The survey is students’
opportunity to have a voice about adult
entertainment and about sex work.”
She explained that it was important
to conduct this research as there is little
known about this industry. She said that
while the media writes about students’
attitudes to, and experiences with, the sex
industry, there is little empirical research

to support their claims. She hopes that
her research will be able to bust myths
portrayed in the media.
The three-year project will research the
experiences and needs of female, male
and transgender students in the adult
entertainment industry in Wales. It also
aims to provide support for students
currently working within the industry.
In a recent Student Beans sex survey,
only 1% of respondents said they
had paid for a prostitute/been one.
It important to realise, however, that
prostitution constitutes only 10% of the
sex work industry.
The project also recognises that to
work in the sex industry can be isolating.
Therefore members of the website are
linked to a forum where sex workers are
able to support one another and share
their experiences in a safe, anonymous
and confidential environment.
The research also aims to uncover
whether university policies or guidelines
are needed to support student sex
workers. Most universities do not have
specific policies in place to deal with their
needs and Deborah Jones argues that
‘there are guidelines around self-harm…
student debt, but it’s almost that sex work
is just something that isn’t thought about’.

i

I t
s

Business student
launches new
project for Africa
by Craig Hadley

waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

PROSTITUTION: The sex workers project is aiming to help students.
easy to get involved in the project
whether you are a student sex worker
or not. Student sex workers are currently
being employed by the project as peer
researchers. Other students are also able
to volunteer for the project as a support
worker for student sex workers. You can
also indirectly get involved by completing
the survey featured in the last student
newsletter.

The project is led by Swansea University
in partnership with Terrence Higgins
Trust, Cardiff and Vale University Health
Board- Integrated Sexual Health Service,
the National Union of Students Wales and
Newport Film School.
To find out more see:
www.thestudentsexworkproject.
co.uk

A SWANSEA University business
management student has helped launch
a new initiative to help improve education
in Africa.
The ‘Lucky Pencil’ initiative was created to
improve the level and availability of education
for girls in the area of Siavonga, Zambia.
The scheme is designed to give money to
a non-profit organisation in Zambia through
the sales of pencils.
The pencils, priced at £1 each are available
through their facebook page.
Juanma Salguero, along with his fellow
multi-national business group, launched the
project back in November.
The facebook page says: “We are a group
of students from different countries and all of
us consider ourselves lucky people for having
the opportunity of receiving international
education,”said the spokesperson.
“With this project we want to give people
lacking the resources the opportunity to study
and create a better future for themselves.”
For more information visit the project’s
facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/
LuckypencilUK

front!
Don’t let the
festive season
leave you with
an unwanted
gift !
>> 12

contents
FASHION Sparkle and shine this
party season
>> 14

FRONT ROW What’s on guide
>> 17

SHOWTIME Real meaning of
Christmas
>> 19

MUSIC Easy way to find some
new sounds
>> 20

FILM Will Disney take the
mickey out of Star Wars?
>> 21

TRAVEL The magic of Minnesota
>> 22

RELATIONSHIPS Blind Date hits
the jackpot
>> 23

CAREERS 1,000 new jobs for
graduates
>> 25

SOCIETIES Bringing smiles to
the faces of sick children
>> 26

societies 26

careers 25

relationships 23

travel 22

film 21

music 20

showtime 19

front row 17

11

fashion 14-15

10 December 2012
waterfrontonline.co.uk

features 12 - 13

L i f e s t y l e f o r S wa n s e a s t u d e n t s

12
av o i d n a s t y p r e s e n t s t h i s c h r i s t m a s

features

Are you wrapping up for
Christmas?

Photo courtesy of Brook.org.uk

HOME SWEET HOME: Student digs.

‘Tis the season to be jolly but those students who aren’t staying sexually
protected this Christmas may find themselves with some unwanted
presents, writes Samantha Booth.

C

HRISTMAS List 2012: Dear Santa, I would like a
new phone, a camera, a new pair of shoes, the
new Mumford and Sons album and an STI. Wait.
Spot the odd one out.
Without knowing it, every year students are contracting
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and research has
found over half of students have had drunken sexual
encounters since starting university, making Christmas
a prime time to catch an STI with the rise in seasonal
socials.
In the recent National Sex Survey 2012, Swansea
University students were found to be some of the most
promiscuous, being ranked 12th in the country for
the average number of sexual partners since starting
university. That was estimated at around 4.5 partners
per student.
Economics and related students are the most sexually
active and around 6% of all UK students are having sex
every day.
With sexual activity can come nasty surprises when
suitable precautions, such as condoms or femidoms
aren’t used.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases
passed on from one person to another through
unprotected sex or sometimes through genital contact.
These range from the efficiently treatable pubic lice to
the incurable virus, HIV.
The survey found that 66% of students have had
unprotected sex at some point during their life and only
27% of students use a condom when having sex.
Most students have probably had sex education
mechanically drilled in to them since high school and
this shows as 92% of students in the survey have never

had an STI.
This leaves 8% of students who have had sex,
contracting an STI. The majority of them caught
chlamydia, which can easily go undetected and which,
if untreated, can cause infertility in women.
One student caught chlamydia in his second year from
having unprotected sex with a woman he had been
seeing. After they broke up, he thought he should have
a routine check up at the local doctors.
“I just went to the surgery for a random check up

“Think of getting tested as
an MOT: necessary and pretty
regular!”
because I felt like I needed one and then it showed up.
“We didn’t use a condom and I had chlamydia for about
two weeks.
“I went on antibiotics and it soon cleared. I learnt my
lesson and I have since used protection with my next
sexual partners.
“I don’t think I passed it on to anyone but I called up
my last four sexual partners just to inform them of the
situation. Nearly all of them took it quite well.”
Alcohol and sex are two activities that go hand in hand
for some students. The National Sexual Health survey
found that 59% of students sometimes mix the two,
and 5% of students are intoxicated for every sexual
encounter.
One second year student found out that she had

chlamydia after having drunken sex and being
contacted by one of her sexual partners.
“I was drunk when I slept with this person and we didn’t
use a condom because I was on the pill and didn’t think
there would be any problem.
“My symptoms were discharge and a general change in
that area and thrushlike symptoms.
“One of my sexual partners contacted me to say he had
chlamydia and when I went to get tested I found out I
had the infection too.
“They gave me antibiotics and it took a few weeks for
it to clear up. They did tell me to tell my other sexual
partners, because I was embarrassed and it would have
caused embarrassment in my friendship group.
“I have definitely learnt that I need to be more careful
in future and use protection. I would definitely let other
sexual partners know in the future if I was to catch
anything again.”
Swansea University Students’ Union Welfare Officer,
Charlotte Britton, says how tests for STIs should be a
regular habit:
“You can find everything you need for a healthy sex
life in the SU (other person not provided). We’ve got
condoms - including latex free for you sensitive typeslube, femidoms, dental dams and pregnancy tests too.
“There’s no shame in getting tested – it should be
something that every sexually active person should
be doing. Think of it as an MOT, necessary and pretty
regular! If you’re not registered with a doctor, there’s
one on campus, or there are lots dotted around
Uplands and Brnymill.”
So, to avoid any nasty Christmas presents this festive
season, be careful, wrap up and stay protected!

Feeling strapped for
cash?
Only got 50p to your
name?
Find out what you can buy
in MyCostcutter with the
Queen’s nose.

Love Music Hate Sweatshops

IN light of recent
announcements that the
government is in a slow
growth out of recession in
the UK, students could find
themselves climbing up a
slippery financial slope, writes
Samantha Booth.
The smallest of coins stretch less with every day so The
Waterfront decided to investigate what can you buy in the
new on-campus supermarket, My CostCutter, for 50p.
Remember the days of a can of pop being under
50p? Those times are long gone as in CostCutter,
the only canned drink you can afford is the KA fruit
punch in three different flavours at 49p. CostCutter
water is the only bottle of water under 50p at 45p.
Those with a sweet tooth shall not be disappointed with
the amount 50p can afford. Two bags of mini Haribo, two
Milky Bars, two Fudges and two Chomps all come under 50p
in their pairs.
For the more indulgent, a Thornton truffle and whipped
fudge bar and Doves farm chocolate come in under the
budget.
Some other sweets under 50p include all of the Bonds
range, a pack of Starburst, a small packet of Love Hearts,
Poppets and a Kinder Happy Hippo.

Tuesday? I’m In Flux was taken over by People and Planet
and Live Music Society on 27 November, featuring university
talent, Special J, Beth Angharad, Prayntell, The Singletons and
Expendable. Proceeds went to People and Planet.
Photographs by Ryan O’Callaghan and Olivia Rosenthall

If you’re more of a crisp person, your selection is limited.
Tomato Snaps, Bacon Frazzles and Chipsticks come in at 39p
a bag. Muller Rice lights yoghurts come in under 50p at 39p
and Kellogs Nutra Grain bars, in flavours apple and strawberry,
are priced at 50p.
For the stationary
fiends, there is plenty
of writing equipment
that comes under 50p
for those ‘I’ve forgot my
pen’ emergencies.
And after eating all of
the goods under 50p,
you can get yourself a
pack of Polos for 45p!
So, if you find yourself
only with this coin,
there is a variety of sweets and sugary goods, but you may be
strapped for choice elsewhere.

Party Season
Style
’tis the season!
Christmas is associated with mince pies, mulled wine
and mistletoe. BUT girls, it’s not all about covering up in
your Christmas knits, for ‘tis the season to party! There are
hundreds of dresses out there but don’t be misled, keep on
trend and check out our selection of outfits.
By Lowri Evans

fashion
Paisley is the print that
many are raving about
and this especially works
for the festive season in
a sparkly black and gold
combo
Dress: River Island

This skirt is a show stopper
and important to be worn
with black as it gives it a cool
A backless dress is a little bit daring in
rocker look.
the chilly weather but is so flattering- just Skirt: Topshop
remember to team it with a jacket to get Top: Miss Selfridge
to your party.
Jacket: River Island
Dress: Miss Selfridge
Necklace: New Look
Accessories: Internationale
Shoes: New Look

Sparkle & Shine

2.
CHRISTMAS is here and so are the parties, but instead of buying a
new dress this winter; why not save yourself time and money with a
statement piece of jewellery? Still huge this season is the collar, and
why wouldn’t it be? This is a great way of transforming and recreating
any old outfit into something eye-catching and completely unique,
and the best part; one size fits all. Have a look at these three fabulous
collars available now. 1. Blue Beaded Collar, New Look £9.99, 2. Faux
Pony Leather Collar, Topshop £22, 3. Gold Diamante and Pearl Collar,
River Island £28. If you don’t think the collar is for you but big and bold
is your thing, why not try some dramatic earrings to bring any outfit to
life? When it comes to earrings this Christmas, bigger is definitely better
so don’t be afraid to experiment. 4. Gold Swing Chain Earrings, Dorothy
Perkins £12.50, 5. A statement ring can also add sparkle to your party
outfit without being extravagant. 5. Black Stone Ring, Miss Selfridge £10,
By Cheryl Berry
6. Gold Encrusted Ring, Topshop £7.50

Everyone loves diamante at
Christmas so this dress is perfect
for getting into the holiday spirit
Dress: Topshop
Shoes: ASOS

This jumpsuit does all
the talking and the
embellishment on the
top perfects the outfit
Jumpsuit: by Roman

5

3
1.
6

4.

societies 26

careers 25

relationships 23

travel 22

film 21

music 20

showtime 19

front row 17

15

fashion 14-15

features 12 - 13

10 December 2012
waterfrontonline.

12 Days of Christmas
By Emma Ailsa Williams

Stag Print Onesie,
Topshop £34
Tis the season to be cosy,
fa la la la la la. Perfect for
snuggling up to watch
the Christmas classics.

Fruit and Nut Lip Trio, the Body Shop, £8
A perfect Secret Santa gift or just a treat for yourself! Fight off chapped
lips this winter with this jolly lip balm set.

The Stylists Gift Set,
Nails Inc. £15
The perfect finishing touch
to any festive outfit this
season. In this set you get
5 sparkly nail varnishes to
get you in the Christmas
mood!

Get Involved!

We are constantly on the lookout for anyone interested in joining our team of writers at Waterfront
Fashion to bring the latest style to the students of Swansea. If you are an enthusiastic writer/
fashionista, get in touch with Cat and Fran at waterfrontfashion@swansea-union.co.uk We
are looking for features on student fashion, events, latest trends, shopping, hair and beauty, men’s
fashions, and any other ideas you could bring to the newspaper! Get involved with Swansea University
whilst boosting your CV, and doing what Swansea students do best; getting drunk at fashion writers’
socials! We can’t wait hear from you all!

front row

The Christmas Market

societies 26

careers 25

relationships 23

travel 22

film 21

music 20

showtime 19

front row 17

W H at ’ s o n w i t h o l i v i a r o s e n t h a l l

fashion 14-15

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10 December 2012
waterfrontonline.co.uk

1

Oxford Street, November 23 - December 16

Christmas has come to Swansea!, writes CHARLY BUNKER. Say hello to the
return of Swansea’s very own Christmas market.
It’s the perfect place to buy a present for that one impossible person, with a multitude
of stalls to choose from, all of which are local retailers. They include one bursting to
the brim with Ospreys and Swans merchandise, saving you a trek to the Liberty. If the
person in question is more of a fashionista than a football fan, several stalls offer handprinted clothing suitable for the rails of Topshop or River Island and several others
sell clothing covered in Welsh dragons just in case you needed a reminder of where
you live. Don’t forget to buy your decorations either, with a stall dedicated entirely to
Christmas trees you can quickly trim up at a decent price.
Once you’ve tired of shopping there is a vast array of various foods on offer ranging
from Bratwurst (a personal favourite) to a traditional hog roast right the way to a more
exotic Kangaroo burger and for pudding maybe some fudge or freshly made donuts.
Or if you fancy a change from the usual pre-drinks of cheap beer, vodka or wine there’s
plenty of spirits and liqueurs on offer which will be bound to end your term with a
bang (or a headache). You will find the market in Oxford Street (just outside Topshop)
and with Christmas carols and songs a-plenty, Swansea’s Christmas market will make a
stressful time of year that much more enjoyable.

Charly Bunker enjoying a Bratwurst sausage at the market.

A Letter From Shakespeare

Taliesin Centre, Thursday 13 December
Tickets: £10

2

Wales Graduate Theatre Company are giving all
you full-time English Lit students a sigh of relief
this December as they take you on a wonderful
tour of William Shakespeare’s finest plays.
Performed by just ten actors with a modern twist
on each tale, this will definitely be something
you have never seen before. From Romeo to
Portia, this is definitely a performance Sparknotes
can’t offer you. For anyone interested, Gradco will
be performing at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets
can be brought on the door or online at the
Taliesin website (www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk)
Furthermore, for any budding Literature students
out there, the company will be having a Q&A
session after the matinee performance.

Mozarts, Saturday 15 December

3

Hipsters behold, Mozarts are having
their last vinyl fayre of the year! So if you’re one of
those anti-Oceana/UK Top 40/iTunes Downloads
types, this is definitely the place for you. Selling
your favourite 12” circles of gold at wonderful
prices you’re guaranteed to find a bargain. A
Christmas present for your aging hippy parents,
or at least something loud and unnecessary to
annoy your housemates with next year. So far
Mozarts have said their stock consists of rare 60s
rock and a lot of reggae to blow your mind with,
with more great stuff to be announced. Dealers
confirmed are also the notorious Soulexp, More
Music, Blackcircles & Mark with again, more to be
certified. So like I say, if any of those names ring
a bell and your dad likes 60s rock just as much as
mine, I’ll see you there Saturday.

Olivia Rosenthall

The Garage, Friday 14 December

4

If you went to Skabertawe’s Skafest back in July
you were one of lucky folk to see some fantastic
bands from all over the country. However, those
who missed it can now watch the whole thing
replayed at The Garage this Friday. Featuring
bands that are steadily recieving international
recognition such as Fight The Bear (who played
at T in the Park) and Cartoon Violence, (who
supported Toots and the Maytals) one would be
a fool not to go. Just ‘cos its Christmas, The Garage
are giving you a special treat and letting the party
continue after the showing with bands such as
Dirty Revolution and Jimmy the Squirrel, with
Miacca featuring acoustically beforehand. ‘Tis the
season!

A Smith’s Tribute
The Garage,
Saturday 22 December

5

To the substantial community of people who
are holding onto the slim hope that one day
Morrissey, Marr et al may reconvene onstage as
the seminal collective that we call ‘The Smiths’,
unfortunately I can’t offer you any good news
there. However, if you’re happy to shut your eyes
and pretend that you’re in Manchester circa the
mid 1980’s, for the time being look no further- a
Smiths tribute band are heading to the Garage on
the 22nd of December to perform tracks such as
‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’ and ‘Meat
Is Murder’ so that you can feel angst-ridden and
glum just in time for your Christmas turkey.

HERE are certain inevitabilities
involved with getting older, writes
Catrin Lewis.
Eventually, you too will go off drinking,
develop a sensitivity to caffeine and
learn that thermals are one of man’s
greatest inventions. However, there is
something altogether more terrifying
about growing up – you will soon realise
quite how fast Christmas comes around
every year.
It only seems five minutes ago that I
was wrestling with cooking dinner for
ten whilst simultaeneously placating a
six month old with Christmas cracker
prizes – it’s not mine, honest, I was just
entertaining it for a friend.
Yet here we are again being
bombarded with adverts for everything
that we couldn’t possibly live without,
despite the fact that I’ve seemingly
managed to quite happily for the past
21 years.
Christmas adverts are simply a game
for businesses; a game to see quite
how much they can squeeze out of the
average consumer in the name of being
festive. Remember, everyone, you’re a
Scrooge if you don’t cripple yourself
financially in the name of the baby
Jesus!
This year we have a selection of bizarre
ad offerings, mainly from supermarkets.
Whilst Tesco seems to be relying solely
upon the average Brit’s love of cheap
spirits to get people down their toobrightly lit aisles, ASDA and Morrison’s
appear to have unwittingly hired
the same advertising agency. How
embarrassing.
Their adverts focus on the fact that
Christmas tends to be the job of the
mother-figure of a household, the one

societies 26

careers 25

relationships 23

travel 22

Dastardly doings
make great TV
FOR those of you who already have
little faith in our politics, this series
will give you a reason to lose more
of it.
House of Cards is a political thriller
made by the BBC in 1990 that
followed the fictional Francis
Urquhart, Conservative chief-whip
and a former member of Thatcher’s
cabinet. Following her political
demise, Urquhart (or F.U.) has a
burning ambition to carry the torch
of power.

Waitrose’s Mr and Mrs Snowman.
who knows that they don’t really want
to deal with it all, but won’t hear the end
of the whinging if they didn’t fulfil the
festive traditions. It also shows how little
appreciation is shown for the one who
has to go to all the trouble of organising
things, with ASDA’s mum being left to
perch at the end of the dinner table like
a naughty dog begging for scraps. I bet
she didn’t even get first go on the turkey
or any pigs in blankets.
Waitrose have gone with the idea of
not producing a fancy Christmas advert
to save money that can be donated to
their charity campaigns instead. This
would be a great plan, if it weren’t for
the fact that John Lewis – Waitrose’s
parent company – has done just that.
John Lewis have decided to hit you
full force in the face with sentimentality
with the tale of the snowman trekking
to the
nearest store to buy his

snowwoman wife various knitted
goods. This is all lovely, except then
you remember how long snow usually
sticks around for and therefore him and
his wife will soon be dead, making his
feat ultimately pointless. But, you know,
happy Christmas!
Luckily, everyone is gullible at this time
of year and will buy anything that has a
snowman, reindeer or elf on it. Despite
the awful advertisements, big business
has us in its grasp, leaving us begging
for just one more miniature bath set and
novelty pair of Santa pants.
So let’s be clear, everyone: it is not
Christmas just because the Coca Cola
advert is on. Stop admiring these
attempts to make you buy more and
enjoy what it’s really all about: the
Doctor Who special, eating until you
burst and being disappointed at the
lack of snow.

Not one for the faint-hearted
I

AN Broome’s debut novel ‘A for
Angelica’ depicts the life of Gordon, a
man whose life has changed following
his wife having a stroke.
Gordon takes full responsibility for
his wife who is so incapacitated she
is unable to commit suicide. Gordon
watches his neighbours across the road
from him, recording their every move in
alphabetical files. It’s more than a little
creepy.Talk about a privacy violation.
Where writers once told obvious stories
and used long sentences, newer writers
now seem to prefer clipped sentences
and a stream of consciousness spilling
from their character’s mind. Ian Broome
is one such writer. He writes with precise
detail, noting everything Gordon does,
the little things about each individual
character.
I’m not saying the writing is bad - it
certainly makes you think more about
what you are reading and wakes your

film 21

music 20

showtime 19

front row 17

On the culture trail with catrin lewis

fashion 14-15

19

features 12 - 13

10 December 2012
waterfrontonline.

Author Iain Broome.
imagination - but occasionally it can
make for a bit of a dull story. I’m not
particularly fussed how anyone has their
tea or whether there are 15 paces to the
side of the road. While I understand this is
a technique used to create a firmer reality,
I miss the days where people would
just describe the story rather than every
object in the story.

To say this book is morbid is an
understatement. Despite this, there are
flashes of humour within the novel.
However, these are overshadowed when
his dog electrocutes himself, or when
his mother-in-law drinks so much she
is found dead in the snow. It seems as if
death and utter helplessness is a more
powerful tool than humour or romance
for a compelling book.
As much as I complain about this book,
I did kind of enjoy it. It made me think,
but I fear it has made me watch people
more closely. I feel as if I want to find out
more about them, so forgive me if I start
to stare; it’s not my fault, it’s the book’s.
It’s not a nice story. It’s awful and
makes me want to cry. However if you
enjoy a morbid, sad tale where you learn
a little too much information about the
characters then it’s definitely worth a read.
By Emma Mackenzie

The means by which this would be
achieved is less than ideal. He seeks
to become Prime Minister through
sinister methods of corruption
such as murder and framing. Upon
reaching that target, FU wishes
to maintain his position until his
tenure in office outstrips that of his
predecessor.
Urquhart is armed with useful
features that help him reach this
end: he is wealthy, has a seemingly
loyal wife, employs a bodyguard
willing to carry out assassinations,
and a pernicious but confident
personality to win the minds of
those who help him.
The programme offers an
interesting insight into the
workings of the highest levels of
the British government, exploring
the positions, roles and actions
of various politicians, MPs, and
even the monarch herself. The
House of Cards possesses the
same cynical rhetoric found in The
Thick Of It, but is far more ruthless;
any incompetence in Urquhart’s
universe would be dealt with by
sackings and murder, something
Malcolm Tucker never seems to
accomplish well enough.
The show has another interesting
feature: Francis Urquhart speaks
directly to the audience. What he
has to say is largely related to his
job, but he gives entertaining, and
cynical, observations of those he
comes across.
Part of the fun is knowing what FU
is doing is wrong and watching as
he continues to get away with his
sinister practices. However, even he
claims nothing lasts forever, “even
the longest, most glittering reign
must come to an end someday”.
Although it was over 20 years ago
when the show first aired, do not let
this dissuade you. The setting is still
hugely relevant for us today.
•A new American version of the
series, starring Kevin Spacey, will
be released on Netflix on Feb 1.
By Alan Daventry

20
Going for the record - with alex gibbs

music

Blogs that bring you the music you missed!
B

ORED, drained and intoxicated by
the classic Top 40 chart, people
across the globe seem to be
yearning for something unique and
exempt from the stereotypical radio
tunes writes Jodie O’Donnell.
From this dissatisfaction, the issue
then arises of how and where do you
find unique and unheard sounds? The
solution is the Internet. To be more exact:
music blogs. Whether they’re personal
blogs from actual bands that deliver
their fresh new music to the world, or the
blogger who reviews and critiques the
latest sounds; music blogs become the
answer to discovering music you never
knew existed.
Moreover, it appears that accessing
music blogs is the fastest and most
efficient approach to finding hidden
musical talents; the reason behind why I
started my own blog at Wordpress.com.
musicunmasked.wordpress.com aims

to bring justice to the hidden tracks of
the past, present and future. Through
creating my blog, I have now realised the
potential and sheer expansion of music
from artists and bands across the globe.
The key to a successful music blog is
getting your posts noticed! This can
easily be achieved by posting regularly
to get other bloggers reading and
following your passion for music. One
of my latest posts about the band ‘The
Lighthouse and The Whaler’ was actually
a recommendation from a friend who
reads my blog. This allowed me to
discover an extremely talented band that
I had never even heard of. By posting
their hit single ‘Venice’, it enabled me to
share their music to other people’s ears.
Furthermore, to boost my blog’s
popularity I have been trying to post
a track everyday, like a fellow blogger
and student at Swansea University,
Cameron Stanton. Stanton’s blog

mydaybydaymusic.wordpress.com
sees him posting fresh music every day,
occasionally featuring unknown artists.
By following his blog, I unearthed the
stunning band ‘Texture Like Sun’. Stanton
says creating his blog initially took time,
but now he states how currently “my blog
just becomes part of my routine. It makes
me happy to know that there is always
brilliant music out there”.
My blog and thousands of others aim
to provide an insight for all music fans as
they attempt to bring outstanding music
daily to people who thrive on uncovering
the latest sounds. If you are interested in
discovering new music or want to widen
your music knowledge, then just check
out all the possible music blogs you can.

Jodie O’Donnell: musicunmasked

If you are passionate about music then
get started and write one.
It is not very tricky and the amount of
remarkable music you will unearth is
neverending!

Cameron Stanton: mydaybydaymusic

Want to get your own music blog on WordPress? Check out the awesome blogging network at www.wordpress.com

SPOTLIGHT: Angel Haze

SINCE music’s most successful female rapper Nicki Minaj has
dominated charts, a new breed of ambitious female rappers has
appeared hungry for equal attention and success. This year, some
female rappers have excelled musically like Azealia Banks, whilst
others like Kreayshawn have traded their initial unique style for
predictable post-Guetta pop beats. Yet, none take themselves as
seriously as the iconic Angel Haze.
As Minaj seizes a victory lap for Roman Reloaded in her recent
reissue, New York based Angel Haze releases mix-tape (if not
album) ‘Classic’, her second in less than a year. Haze is the deadly
serious and venomous counterpart to fellow New York based
Banks’ hedonistic charisma. Haze’s music is characterised by
brooding synths and sharp drum rhythms, in combination with

By Rich Willetts
her emotive snarl and brutally honest delivery. Haze is notorious
for her volatile and in-your-face behaviour in her enjoyably
memorable live shows. Haze demands that fans join her on stage
and shout back to her calls to them; all the while performing with
fierce, unashamed confidence.
The menacing new single ‘New York’ is by far her best yet, with its
repeating handclap and minimalistic electronics, whilst ‘Werkin’
Girls’ is a fantastic mission statement. A recent collaboration with
Rudimental in ‘Hell Could Freeze’, demonstrates there’s plenty of
potential for the young rapper. Her personality may put off as
many people as it might interest, yet love her or hate her, there is
no denying that Angel Haze is a force to be reckoned with.

Do you think a band or genre should be featured? E-mail us at waterfrontmusic@swansea-union.co.uk

singles

albums
Everything Everything

Lady Antebellum

Christina Perri

ACQUIRING extraordinary
momentum after the
release of ‘Arc’s’ first single
‘Cough Cough’, Everything Everything’s
second album has been thrust into the
limelight as a potential star amongst
the plethora of albums expected in
2013 writes Cameron Stanton. With a
quirky desirability, ‘Arc’ shines effortlessly
throughout; delivering a multitude of
inherently fresh sounds and genres in
a whirlwind of sonic madness. Littered
with wacky sound-bites, bizarre lyrics
and intricate guitar work, ‘Arc’ broadly
experiments with various dimensions of
modern music, combining their ambitious
sound into a creative pool of brilliance.
From the soaring synth highs of ‘Radiant’
and the grand chorus of ‘Cough Cough’
through to the delicate emotions of ‘The
Peaks’, ‘Arc’ is thankfully everything and
more. In short, it’s mental and I love that.

HAILING from Nashville; one of America’s
most epic country bands has released‘On
This Winter’s Night’ to get you all in the
Christmassy mood writes Alex Gibbs.
Scott’s vocals are beautifully melodic
throughout, but are most enchanting
in the jazz-filled, yet somewhat cheesy
‘A Holly Jolly Christmas’. The album
puts a spin on some holiday favourites,
including the quaint ‘All I Want For
Christmas Is You’ and the upbeat ‘Let It
Snow’. Additionally, they add their own
track named ‘On This Winter’s Night’,
flaunting the harmony of Scott’s and
Kelley’s vocals alongside the impressive
instrumental backing, including a piano
and electric guitar.
Slip on your fluffy
socks and put this
album on repeat while
you dance around the
Christmas tree.

WRITTEN for the Twilight saga
soundtrack, this poignant, heartrending love ballad will get your
emotions running every time you
listen to it writes Alex Gibbs. Backed
by a steady-paced melodic piano
rhythm and gorgeously plucked
string instruments, Perri’s beautiful,
defiant vocals blend in perfectly. With
the chorus echoing “I have loved you
for a thousand years, I’ll love you for a
thousand more”, you cannot help but
grab for the tissues (me included).
Perri’s exquisite soft, silky vocals melt
throughout this ballad, whilst giving
you shivers by the tenderness found
in her beautifully
written lyrics. Not
one
found
on
Oceana’s
playlist
but perfect for you
loved -up couples.

HIS month has shown us that one thing is
clear: George Lucas is bored with filmmaking.
After unsuccessfully restarting the Indiana
Jones series and struggling to find funding for his
film Red Tails last year, Lucas has dealt a final blow to
his legacy by selling Lucasfilm to Disney for £2.5bn.
Disney has already confirmed that there will be three
new Star Wars films, and the big question now is:
who will take the directorial challenge? Some fans
were horrified to see their favourite franchise sold
to Mickey Mouse and co., taking to forums to vent
their anger. Whilst Disney has matured in recent
years, with the acquisition of Marvel Studios and
consequently the release of the record-breaking
The Avengers, many still feel they need to prove
themselves further before attempting something
like Star Wars. It is paramount that they choose the
right director and demonstrate that they mean
business, especially with something that already
holds such a phenomenal following worldwide.
The main name being thrown around at the moment
is Matthew Vaughan, director of Layer Cake and
Kick Ass. Having produced more films than he has
directed, Vaughan would very much be in the deep
end. His track record is decent – Kick Ass welcomed
critical acclaim – but his lack of experience may
mean that Disney look elsewhere. Having not ruled
himself out, however, may mean that he has been
approached.

Brad Bird (director of Mission Impossible: Ghost
Protocol and The Incredibles) and Steven Spielberg
ruled themselves out this week, which would have
disappointed Disney; these names have big films
on their CVs and can clearly take on high budget
franchises. Hollywood’s recent sci-fi go-to-guy
JJ Abrams (Star Trek) has also ruled himself out,
meaning that Disney will have to search further to
secure someone who can take the pressure that the
job will inevitably throw up.
The director of Moon and Source Code, Duncan
Jones, has shown intelligence in his filmmaking and
seems an ideal fit for Star Wars. Whilst Jones, son of
popstar David Bowie, hasn’t made many, they seem
to be the type an apprentice Star Wars director would
make and Disney should consider this talented
filmmaker.
The test the director faces is rescuing a franchise that
became widely derided with the release of the three
prequels. It’s rumoured that the likes of Mark Hamill
and Carrie Fisher from the original films will return,
which would please fans but Disney may want to
follow the blueprint of this year’s Skyfall which
successfully (both critically and financially) rebooted
a much-loved film series by doing away with certain
characters. One thing is for sure, Star Wars fans won’t
be seeing the likes of Jar Jar Binks again.
By Joe Deeks

Would you like to review a film or DVD? E-mail us at waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk

Reviews: The Master, Killer Joe, Cosmopolis
The Master

By Saul Masters

PAUL Thomas
Anderson last
graced our
screens with
the powerful
There Will Be
Blood in 2007,
and now the
director returns
four years on
with The Master.
Anderson’s new film focuses on Joaquin Phoenix’s
Freddy Quell, an ex-serviceman who is verging
on meltdown. His path crosses Phillip Seymour
Hoffman’s charismatic cult/religious leader of The
Cause, who soon takes him under his wing, studying
him for his own personal gain. Anderson closely
studies the two, using his camera like a microscope,
opening up the novelistic tale exposing the two
men’s struggle to understand one another. The
two central performances are incredible, Phoenix’s
body is moulded and morphed while Hoffman’s
charismatic cult leader is awe inspiring and
commanding in every scene. But it is Amy Adams’
role as Hoffman’s wife, Peggy who manages to break
through despite Phoenix and Hoffman, stealing
every scene she is in. Although nothing particularly
happens in the way of narrative, Anderson’s direction
is immense, making the nothingness astounding
to look at. Neverthless the story feels flat and
unfinished in the writing stage, causing the film’s
ending to leave you exhausted and wondering what
sort of beast the film could have been.

Killer Joe

By Saul Masters

WILLIAM Friendkin’s
Killer Joe was
heavily celebrated
on release, many
critics citing it as
Friendkin’s returns
to form. The film
tells the story
of Emile Hirch’s
Chris whose debt
problems force him
to hire Killer Joe, a
Dallas Police detective with the side job as a killer.
Chris’ problems get worse as he fails to pay Joe; in
order to make the deal has used his sister, played by
Juno Temple, as a retainer. Matthew McConaughey’s
total transformation into the character is exciting
to watch. For a man who made such atrocious films
as Fool’s Gold, his acting ability really gets time to
stretch and come to life. Its an extrension of his role
in The Lincoln Laywer. What unravels is a southern
fried noir film that cannot make up its mind about
what it wants to be. It is not a poorly directed film
by any means, with Friendkin’s camera assessing
some great locations and creating great scenes, but
it’s a very difficult film to like. The third act is where
the film completely falls apart with a scene that
highlights the film’s complete lack of gender politics.
Friendkin is a director best known for The Exorcist
and The French Connection but his more modern
films have failed to please and for me Killer Joe fails
to reignite Friendkin’s career.

Cosmopolis

By Saul Masters

DAVID Cronenberg
made his name
in cinema by
making body
horror films such
as Videodrome and
The Fly. Adapted
from Don Delillo’s
2003 book,
Cosmopolis centres
around Eric Parker,
played bluntly by
Robert Pattinson,
a self-made billionaire who spends most of the film
in his limo on the way to a haircut he doesn’t really
need. Outside the limo the world is collapsing into
financial meltdown and Cronenberg does well to
create this pre-apocalyptic city. Cronenberg does a
brilliant job of creating a claustrophobic microcosm
inside the limo but elsewhere the script, which is
lifted straight from the book, is full of philosophical
gibberish that makes no sense and at times comes
across as far too pretentious. Pattinson stands out,
due to the fact he is pretty much the only actor with
more than a five minute scene, with a strong central
performance, but it isn’t enough to make the film
gripping or engaging. The film doesn’t ask much of
its director other than to exhibit the potential skill
he typically treats his films to, but despite being
a bold and interesting film, it struggles at being
entertaining or engaging.

22
S tu d ent j o urneys

travel
photo by La Vaca Vegetariana

Minnesota through the seasons.

Snow, sun, autumnal
glory - it’s got the lot!
I

T is a place where hurried cities
are connected by long stretches of
calm fields glowing in the afternoon
sun. It is filled with budding lilacs in
the spring, summer lakes packed with
boats rushing around like bees in a hive,
and children’s snow forts in the winter.
Mosquito bites and campfires abound
in the heat, and noses are as red as the
sleds in the cold. This exotic land gave
the world waterskiing, 10,000 lakes,
SPAM and so much more. It is a place of
extremes; extreme pride and extreme
love.
It is Minnesota.
I grew up in this magnificent land,
where the autumn leaves turned from
green to golden yellow and fiery red,
and the last of a humid summer lingered
in the air. We would grab our rakes, pile
up the leaves, and jump into them or
stuff them in large, pumpkin-shaped bin
bags. The days would grow shorter and
the seasons crept up on us in the night;
we woke up realizing that the ground
had frozen and the first snowfall had
arrived. Crowded around the television
in February at 6am, we eagerly waited to
hear the newscaster declare that it was
“too cold for the school buses to start”.
And as the spring air flirted with us, we
splashed through its puddles, desperate
again for the humid air that screamed
water fights and frozen ice popsicles.
This beautiful place that grounded my
childhood was also a place that I just
recently realized was relatively unheard
of by much of the world.
It is hard to find someone who has
not heard of America, yet, when further

JESSICA LANGR, a visiting student
from the USA, writes about the
attractions of her home land,
Minnesota.
questioned, most people from the UK
only know the general layout of the
states. And who’s to blame them? There
ARE 50 states after all, and New York,
California, Florida, and Texas typically
steal the spotlight. It’s like putting a
puzzle together—the edges might be
easy to identify, but the real substance
is in the middle. In my unbiased
opinion, the heart of America lies in the
overlooked and peaceful Midwest—
particularly the “North Star State” of
Minnesota, which borders Canada and
lies only a few hours west of well-known
Chicago, Illinois.
So what makes this state so special
and so cherished? Why are Minnesotans,
unlike many other state’s natives, so
passionate about their homeland? I
directed this particular question toward
a number of lifetime Minnesotans and
received a number of answers ranging

photo by Nosha

from “loons” (the state bird) to “higher
speed limits” to “long winters to downhill
ski” (some people say that Minnesota
has three seasons: “almost winter”,
“winter”, and “road construction”).
But what I really think makes Minnesota
unique (apart from the beauty I already
described), is the pride that the people
hold for their state—to know that they
can handle the freezing winters and the
scorching summers. They appreciate the
natural beauty and unite themselves
under the extremes that come with it.
Coming to Wales was interesting to me
because in many ways, it reminded me
of home; the Welsh pride and fierce

sense of identity that I’ve seen here.
Because ultimately, stretching our limits
makes us stronger, and Minnesotans—
and the Welsh—can take pretty much
anything someone may dish out and
still have time to ask a stranger about
his day.
Not to mention that Minnesotans
make some fabulous hotdishes. You ask,
what’s hotdish? Guess you’ll have to visit
and try for yourself.
If you’re looking for more information
on the wonders of this state, visit www.
exploreminnesota.com. You can fly into
Minnesota’s capital city, Minneapolis,
from London for about £500-600.

Rachel
Dear Rachel,
I feel ya, sister! Third year is the worst. Whilst I’m proud of myself for having
gotten this far despite my love of Reddit, tracking down potential love
interests on Facebook and my ability to sleep through 9am lectures without
even trying, the thought of having to finish this monster dissertation and go
out into the real world next year is a hideous one.
However, I urge you to look at the positives of our final year. Firstly, you are
very nearly an adult, congratulations! This means that we can do pretty much
anything we like, although if you’re anything like me you still have to make
sure your mum or dad’s okay with it first. Secondly, we are very fortunate to
be here, although the near-poverty that you undoubtedly live in and heavy
workload will probably make you think otherwise.
So allow me to give you a small kick up the proverbial – get up out of bed,
stop worrying about the future, and just get on with things. You don’t want
to become another graduate statistic about how we’re all doomed because
some of us chose to study English Literature instead of Engineering.
Once you start easing yourself back into your work, you’ll be fine, I promise!
And if not, you can come and find me in the silent study section of the library
for a pep talk in between my hysterical sobs over my Social Policy in Europe
essay.

societies 26

careers 25

relationships 23

travel 22

Zoe on Jake

What were your first impressions?
Great first impression - he kindly offered to buy me
a drink even though I’d already bought one myself.
What do you think of the choice of venue?
JC’s was practically dead at the time, but I was
quite glad because it meant we could get a good
conversation going without being interrupted.
Any striking conversation points?
His story about getting drunk and falling off a train
was definitely a highlight!
Did you wonder why he wasn’t in a relationship
at any point?
Yes I did wonder why, because Jake was really easy going and great to be
around.
If you were to be married and have babies, what would you want your
baby to inherit?
I’d want them to inherit his eyesight. There’s no way I’d want our children
putting the ‘blind’ into blind date like I do.
Any potential for a kiss?
I don’t think we’d ever stop talking for long enough!
Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person?
I’d say about 8 out of 10, we seemed to get on really well.
Would you introduce him to your parents?
Absolutely, my mum would love me to bring home a fellow gin lover.
Would you like to meet again?
I don’t see why not.

Jake on Zoe
What were your first impressions?
If I am honest, wow!

I’ve been in a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend for quite a
while now, but I think she might be cheating on me with a ‘friend’. What
do I do?

What do you think of the choice of venue?
Good ol’ JC’s – nice and familiar, but watching
them attempt to put Xmas decorations up was
rather amusing. Thankfully we were not sat slam
bang in the middle but as the place was dead,
we were nearly the sole punters and the bar
staff knew what was going on, so we got a few
sniggers our way.

Luke
Dearest Luke,

(Aunt Catrin is unqualified to give real advice and so all responses are
intended to be more amusing than serious. The Waterfront recognises
that occasionally she can’t even manage that, so please take all letters
with a pinch of salt and refer to proper, grown-up professionals for real

film 21

Zoe Alford, a 19-year-old English Literature student, and Jake Wilson, a
23-year-old German student, meet in JC’s for The Waterfront blind date.

Dear Aunt Catrin,

What a hideous situation. Your letter is brief, and there are lots of things that
you haven’t mentioned, but I shall do my best.
As the survivor of a long-distance relationship, I can attest to the twinge
of fear that you can get when you know something is wrong. This type of
relationship has to be built on even higher levels of trust than you would
ordinarily have, just because you’re not there to oversee their daily actions.
You need to look at where your information is coming from. Have you been
told something is awry, or do you just have the gut instinct that something
isn’t right? There’s a lot to be said for instinct and experience, but you
can’t rely on that alone. You need evidence. Start to think of yourself as a
relationship super sleuth – the Sherlock Holmes of love.
The method I found most efficient was the surprise appearance – the look
on her face when you appear at her front door will tell you everything that
you need to know. If she’s overjoyed, you’re probably safe. If not, well… I
probably don’t live too far away, and I’ve got a myriad of amusing, animalbased knitwear that I can cheer you up with.
If the situation turns out as bad as you fear, then you must remember that
karma will soon catch up with him. If the guy she’s cheating with knows of
your situation, then comfort yourself in the knowledge that he shares his
morals with Robert Mugabe and John Terry. As for your girlfriend… Well, she’s
arguably not much better, and you are undoubtedly better off without. Good
luck, young Sherlock.

music 20

Blind Date
When Zoe met Jake

Dear Aunt Catrin,
I’m in my third year and appear to have lost all of my motivation to do
anything. I’m scared of graduating and having to find a real job at the
end of the year. Can you help me?

showtime 19

front row 17

fashion 14-15

23

features 12 - 13

10 December 2012
waterfrontonline.co.uk

Any striking conversation points?
Both share the love for cold breakfast pizza!
Sharing experiences of an eccentric lecturer
we’d both had despite doing separate degree
courses, we chatted for ages so there’d be loads that could be put here.
Did you wonder why she wasn’t in a relationship at any point?
Yep, I did wonder as to why because she’s so nice!
If you were to be married and have babies, what would you want your
baby to inherit?
Nothing from me that’s for sure! If she can secretly fly or has superpowers,
then those I suppose!
Any potential for a kiss?
A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell!
Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person?
Perhaps a cheeky 8?
Would you introduce her to your parents?
The thought of introducing someone to the parents is always a terrifying
concept, as images of Meet the Fockers spring to mind. However, as she didn’t
meet me and subsequently run away, a case of sure, Dr Pepper I think.
Would you like to meet again?
Yes, I would. She’s a lovely lady. Thank you good night, much love!
•If you are interested in featuring in the blind date, email your name, age,
course and level to waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk.

careers

1,000 new jobs for graduates
M

ORE than 1000 new job
opportunities will be created for
graduates across Wales during
the next two years.
They will be delivered by GO Wales
which is running the Jobs Growth Wales
Graduate Programme on behalf of the
Welsh Government.
GO Wales will be advertising up to 230
opportunities designed to give young
graduates good quality employment in
the period up to 31 March 2013, with an
additional 400 each year after that.
Swansea University students have
already benefited from the scheme.
Sam Wall is a Computer Science and
IT graduate who graduated from
Swansea this year and secured a Jobs
Growth Wales opportunity with CDSM
Interactive Solutions in Swansea as a
Software Developer.
Sam said: “I am working on front end
web development for local companies as
part of my role. It is great to be able to put
academic work into a real work scenario
meeting the challenges of a day-to-day
job. This is a really beneficial scheme that

WORKING: Sam Wall.
offers invaluable experience.”
Launched in April this year, the Jobs
Growth Wales programme which is
funded by the Welsh Government and
the European Social Fund, caters for
young people that are job ready but have
had difficulty securing employment.
The programme offers a six month job

opportunity for graduates to become
part of a company and be paid at the
national minimum wage, or higher, for
a minimum of 25 hours per week and
maximum of 40 hours per week.
Welsh graduates Bechan Carpenter and
Matthew Smith are currently working for
TES Aviation in Bridgend after applying
for the vacancies via GO Wales.
Sales Support Executive Bechan said:
“This role means I am able to rotate
around different departments learning
how the whole business operates.
“This has enabled me to meet more
people than just in my department and
get an interesting insight into how the
work I do on a day to day basis affects all
other departments in this business.”
Graduates who are 24 years old and
under, and either unemployed or
working fewer than 16 hours per week,
should visit the GO Wales web site to find
out more, see the latest vacancies and
make an online application for vacancies
they are interested in.
•www.gowales.co.uk/en/Graduate/
jgw

societies 26

careers 25

relationships 23

travel 22

film 21

music 20

showtime 19

front row 17

fashion 14-15

25

features 12 - 13

10 December 2012
waterfrontonline.co.uk

Why wait?
Teach First

CALLING all students! Do you agree
that no child’s educational success
should be limited by their socioeconomic background? If the answer is
yes, then Teach First is for you.
You don’t need piles and piles of work
experience, just that passion inside
you that social injustice isn’t right. Why
not work for one ofthe UK’s largest
graduate employers? The rise in tuition
fees makes postgraduate study seem
impossible but with Teach First you can
gain a PGCE, and if you wish, a masters,
all whilst gaining a salary.
Now that I have listed all the perks,
you hopefully won’t flick the page at
the mention of teaching in a school
in challenging circumstances for
two years. True, teaching’s not for
everyone, but the beauty of Teach
First is you do not have to stay in the

Sign up for a week of work to boost your employability
THE University is pioneering a new ‘Week of Work’ initiative
designed to help boost students’ employability.
Taking place during employability week – the 21st-27th
January – students will be given the opportunity to take a
week’s work experience with leading local companies invited
by the Swansea University Employability Academy.
Students’ Union Education Officer, Zahid Raja, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for students and local
businesses alike. Students will gain a fantastic new experience
and exposure to a field of work that the University has

sourced. The experience will be reflective and the University
has assured us that whilst students won’t be paid for this,
travel and lunch expenses shall be reimbursed.”
With students constantly being reminded that a degree is
no longer enough in the world of work, this initiative is part of
the university’s attempts to boost its employability rate and
is recognised on the Swansea Employability Award, which
every student is encouraged to complete, and which allows
you to develop your understanding of what career may best
suit you and tailor your CV to match.
BRAND MANAGER: Emma Mckay.
classroom at the end of the two years
if you decide you want experience
somewhere else, 54% of ambassadors
are currently in teaching and the other
46% are able to influence change in
education, in business, the third sector
and government, through alternative
careers.
As a brand manager for Teach First
here at Swansea University, I joined the
charity because I am inspired by their
vision. I am the first person in my family
to go to university, and was motivated
by a teacher who believed in me, so I
have seen first-hand the difference that
an exceptional teacher can make.
Teach First is a hugely exciting place
to be and has just celebrated its
tenth anniversary. The programme
is rewarding, stimulating and
challenging; you will certainly never
find a dull moment.
Whether you’re a first, second or third
year, Teach First is something to think
about now.
•To find out more, please join the
Teach First Swansea University

26

Enhance your student experience - with alex ward

societies

Eid gifts bring smiles to faces
of sick children in hospital
A

S part of Swansea University
Islamic Society’s Eid Al-Adha
celebrations, students visited
Morriston hospital children’s ward
with handfuls of gifts and Eid cards.
Over 50 gifts ranging from plastic
babies, small puzzles, board games,
books, arts and crafts, and toiletries
were delivered in coordination with
the hospital staff and nurses.
The project was organized by the
Federation of Student Islamic Societies
(FOSIS), the umbrella organization
of more than 120 Islamic Societies
(ISOCs) across the UK and Ireland.
FOSIS support ISOCs projects and
aims to engage Muslim students with
the community and wider British and
Welsh society.
Over 150 gifts, accompanied with
personalized Eid greeting cards
prepared by children of local scout
groups, were distributed in Wales.
Six Islamic societies took part: Cardiff,
Cardiff Metropolitan, Glamorgan,
Swansea, Bristol and University
of West England (UWE) in three
hospitals: Health-Cardiff, Bristol Royal
Hospital for children and MorristonSwansea - with more than £300 raised
through FOSIS Wales and West and
participating ISOCs for the project.
The aim of the project was to
engage with the British/Welsh society,
integrate with the local community

Christian Society
to host festive
carol concert

Musicians’
Society concert
kicks off
Christmas
THE Swansea Musicians’ Society
held their annual evening of
Christmas festivities at St Mary’s
Church in Swansea on Sunday,
writes Rosie Perrett.
The audience was treated to a
range of music from the society’s
different groups that have all
been working very hard on their
pieces.
The groups included a flute
choir, strings group, a brass
ensemble, an orchestra, a wind
band and a big band.

and teach children about Eid and its
significance to Muslims.
“We follow the prophet Muhammad’s
(peace be upon him) teachings
of visiting the sick and showing
compassion and love towards them,”
said ISOC President Hassan Hamdoun.
“Visiting the sick is rewarding,
especially for the children. Eid is also
a special day and big celebration for
Muslims where children receive gifts
from family and friends. We wanted to
bring joy to ill children and share Eid
happiness and jubilation with them.
We love the children and bringing a

THE Christian society will be opening
its doors for a carol service tonight (Dec
10) at St James’ Church, Walter Road in
Uplands.
All are welcome, with doors set to
open at 6.45pm.
The society’s secretary, Ruth, said:

smile in their faces is the least thing
we can do this Eid.”
On giving the presents to the children
in Morriston Hospital, Hamdoun
said: “The experience was incredible.
Seeing the smiles on children’s faces
after giving the gifts, the brightness
in their eyes, and the joy in their faces
was just amazing.”
Swansea University’s Islamic Society
would like to thank Morriston Hospital
for their support and distributing the
gifts and FOSIS Wales and Wales for
organizing the project, especially to
Nicola Lewis.
“It really does promise to be a lovely
night and an opportunity not to be
missed out on because this is the only
carol service organised for students
by students. We will be having
performances from our very own
Swansea University Gospel Choir.”

The strings and brass section
along with the big band have
also been out and about in
Swansea and the university
providing an array of music for
everybody’s benefit.
Music at the concert included
some classical tunes from the
orchestra and string group.
Jazz fans enjoyed hearing the Big
Band playing some classics such
as “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and
“Street Life” by Randy Crawford.
The Wind Band played a
rendition of Indiana Jones, and
there truly was something to
love no matter your musical
taste.
•Contact the Musicians’ Society
at musicians@swansea-union.
co.uk

Want to know more about societies? Check out www.swansea-union.co.uk/activities

SPOTLIGHT - BIoscience Society
THE Bioscience Society has seen positive changes
this new academic year. Comprising a larger
team of dedicated committee members, they
seem to have started the year on the right foot.
The first step towards success was during
Freshers Fayre, where they signed up significantly
more members than in the previous year.
The society President, Brenda Tysse said:
“Despite being a bit hidden amongst other
societies’ stalls, we pulled it off, but I believe that
the Students’ Union helped us achieve this by
improving the layout of the marquee, and also by
introducing the new payment system (cash point
and online website) which also seemed to work
in our favour.”
Every good start deserves a good followup and the Bioscience Society has seemingly

accomplished this, developing rapidly and
organising various fun events such as the
animal-themed Halloween social and upcoming
Christmas movie night, as well as photography
competitions, fundraising events and their yearly
event of “final year presentations”, where third
year students are encouraged to give a practice
talk based on their research project.
First and second years are welcome to come
along in order to find out more about what this
will be like for them in following years.
For next term, other exciting activities being
planned include the ‘Create Your Own Science
Video’ workshop, with the goal of promoting
science through media and providing students
with new skills, as well as trips both locally and
abroad, together with science-based video

competitions. With all these events and more
ahead, the Bioscience Society is keeping busy.
Said Tysse: “We’ve had a huge improvement
since last year already, and are hoping for further
positive outcomes throughout this year’s new
and exciting upcoming events which are leading
to an improved society that will cater for more
students.
“However, all of this could not be arranged
without a good committee, so I must admit that I
am very thankful for the effort put in by our new
committee members.
“They are all very dedicated and deserve to be
on the spotlight!”
•For more information, email: bioscience@
swansea-union.co.uk

waterfrontonline.co.uk

SPORT I 28
Swimming

BUCS launches new
national competition
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

BRITISH Universities & Colleges
Sport (BUCS) has introduced a
new national competition set to
take place in February.
The event will be the largest
of its kind in the UK, and will see
approximately 6,000 students
compete over three days.
Karen Rothery, the CEO of BUCS,
was “delighted” to have welcomed
Great Britain’s Iwan Thomas and
Joanne Jackson, who helped to
launch the event.
“BUCS is delighted to be joined by
Joanne and Iwan for the launch.
“This event will host some of the
finest young athletes in the country,
and like Joanne and Iwan, some will
go on to compete for Great Britain

on the international stage.
“University sport has a history of
playing an important role in the
development of this country’s best
athletes.”
The event will also feature the
previously stand alone BUCS Long
Course Swimming Championships.
With Swansea renowned for their
swimming prowess, the swimming
club will be setting their sights on
more success in February.
The BUCS Nationals event will take
place at Ponds Forge in Sheffield
between February 22-24.
BUCS

SWIMMING captain Josh Dunn
expressed his delight at an
“unexpected league promotion”
following success at the team
gala event in Surrey.
Swansea will now compete in the
top division of BUCS along with the
likes of Bath who are frequent rivals
of Swansea during major national

competitions.
“We certainly did not think we’d
be promoted this year,” said Dunn.
“We weren’t expecting quite such
good swims but I’m very proud of
the team.”
Swansea finished second in
their BUCS league but were
promoted due to strict competition
regulations.
Bath 2nds won the league by
47 points, but a university is only
allowed one representative in the

top flight of BUCS.
Despite not winning outright
Dunn spoke of his team’s
justification for gaining promotion.
“There were 11 teams in our
division this year, and out of the 24
competitive races we took part in,
Swansea claimed a podium place in
15 of them,” said Dunn.
“Swansea also did not come lower
than seventh in any of the 24 races.”
Speaking of the gala event in
particular, Dunn was pleased given
a late minute change to the line-up.
He said: “For most of them it’s
their first gala for the university.
“Swansea swam well but in
particular: Lesley Dawson, Lou
Gates and Kat Muller all swam
exceptionally well.
“Dawson was filling in for a last
minute drop out, and came first in
the 200m freestyle.
“Gates won both the 50m and
100m breaststroke with Muller
also winning two events, the 50m
freestyle and the 50m butterfly.”
Dunn also spoke of his “delight”
to have the Welsh national pool so
close to the university.
He added: “Obviously having the
Welsh national pool to train in is a
delight.”

waterfrontonline.co.uk

SPORT I 29

Rugby Union

Badminton

SWANSEA 4ths 21-5 CARDIFF MET 4ths

Thomas

Mousfield

Horsebrugh

Hague

Riugloud

Bourne

Taylor
O. Young
Weatley
Crandon
Muddock

Swansea get
the job done in
BUCS cup tie
by Jodie O’Donnell

D. Young

waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
Holmes

Scallen
Presley

JESSICA LANGR

Swansea win
fiery encounter

REGROUP AND GET AT THEM: Despite an early scare, Swansea asserted their dominance against Cardiff Met at Sketty Lane in front of a crowd of home support.
Liam Crandon converted a penalty.
Crandon. Swansea’s place in the
boys today,” said Tarbard.
by Max Stevens
Cardiff Met grew into the game third round of the cup was secured
“The team played outstandingly
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
and following a collapsed scrum, five minutes from time.
well against Cardiff Met.
Steve Scallen touching down,
“I am particularly proud of the were able to take the lead through
SWANSEA are through in the teamwork and aggression showed.” an unconverted try.
following a strong run from inside
BUCS cup following a fiery clash
The home side rallied back and centre Billy Muddock.
In the opening ten minutes the
with Cardiff Met in the second referee was forced to call over the after two more penalties from
The conversion was missed by
round of the BUCS cup.
two captains twice, to warn their Crandon, found themselves 9-5 up Crandon.
Coach Oliver Tarbard was pleased players to calm it down.
at half time.
The freshers’ side will now face
with what he saw from his side
Sixteen minutes after the restart Trinity St David in the third round.
Swansea started the stronger
following their 21-5 win over the side, pushing Cardiff Met back into substitute Alex Dodd-Jones broke
Tarbard’s team will be looking for
team from the capital.
their own half; and the pressure through and over the line to score. revenge after being outplayed by
“I’m unbelievably happy for the paid off in the eighth minute when With the extras converted by Trinity back in October.
Swimming

LONDON Olympian Georgia
Davies celebrated double gold
at this year’s BUCS short course
swimming
championships,
breaking two BUCS records in the
process.
In her first competition since
representing Great Britain at the
Olympics, Davies showed just why
she had made the Olympic squad
winning both the 50m and 100m
backstroke.
“It was great to medal against
such big swimming universities

like Loughborough and Bath,” said
Davies.
“All the swimmers on the team put
in a tremendous amount of training
prior to the event.
“I hope the whole team can
perform as we did at the short
course, going into the BUCS long
course championships next year.”
Davies blew away the field in the
100m event, having beaten her
nearest rival, Loughborough-based
Kathryn Willis by over three seconds.
She also swam a record time in the
50m event, coming ahead of Bath’s
Jennifer Oldham.
Davies’ teammate Alice Tennant
also won gold for Swansea; winning
the 400m individual medley (IM) in a
personal best time.
Tennant was not done as she
went on to secure silver in the 200
IM as well as a bronze in the 400m
freestyle.
Both Davies and Tennant also
collected bronze medals in the
4X50m freestyle relay.
Davies remains focused on the
future, as she targets a place at the
Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Swansea University finished fifth
overall at the event, with 182 points.

Netball

Swansea through to quarter
finals after strong home win
by Daniel Jenkins
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

SWANSEA 1sts

44

MARJONS 1sts

25

SWANSEA produced a brilliant
performance to secure a quarter
final place, seeing off Plymouth
Marjons in their BUCS cup third
round tie.
Goal defence Angharad Morris
was pleased with the team’s
performance and believed the team
had gone to “the next level”.
“Everyone stepped up their game
to the next level against Plymouth,”
said Morris.
“We were chuffed with the result.
Amber Jones was key, she rarely
missed a shot all game.”
In a closely fought first quarter
Swansea were the happier of the
sides, going into the first break 13-9
up.
Swansea kicked things up a gear
in the second, playing the ball
around with confidence.
Superb finishing from Amber
Jones and Rebecca Steingass,
meant at half time the score was

23-14 in Swansea’s favour.
Swansea really turned on the style
in the third quarter, as Plymouth
failed to respond to the home side’s
high tempo game.
With a strong defence behind
them, Swansea’s high-tempo game
allowed Jones and Steingass to
continue their high scoring rate.
The impressive pair scored 26
between them over the course of
the second and third quarters.
With the game beyond Plymouth
going into the final quarter, Swansea
eased off as the final minutes ticked
by.
Swansea will now face a tough
home tie against high flying Bristol
2nds on February 6.

SWANSEA 1sts

7

WINCHESTER 1sts

1

SWANSEA men’s badminton 1sts
advanced to the quarter finals of
the BUCS cup following a 7-1 win
over Winchester.
Doubles player John Lee believes
he thought “Swansea would do well”
following a strong start to the day.
Lee said: “Our play was on form
from the start.
“From then on I knew Swansea
would do well.”
Swansea’s Chris McMullan and
Barry Garnham had both got off the
perfect start winning their opening
matches with Winchester’s Tom West
and Jake Hedges respectively.
Despite a comprehensive defeat
in his opening game; Winchester’s
first seed Hedges came out for his
second game determined to get
one over on Swansea’s second seed
McMullan.
An intense finish match followed
with McMullan the eventual winner.
McMullan admitted after the
match he probably should have won
more comfortably.
“I let my guard slip against Hedges,”
said McMullan.
“It was probably because I had
won by a clear 13 points in the first.”
Swansea’s most experienced
player, Garnham, despite an early dip
in his usually high standards; saw off
West to give Swansea a 4-0 lead after
the singles matches.
Winchester got their first point
on the board after their pairing of
captain Ross and Mars Chu narrowly
defeated Swansea’s Oli Knibbs and
Steve Spyrakis.
Swansea
reasserted
their
dominance in the next game
with Sam Crossley and Lee hastily
dispatching Ross and Chu.

SWANSEA: Sam Crossley in action.

OUR BALL: Swansea resisting Marjons.

The home side then extended
their lead winning the other two
doubles matches; to win 7-1 overall.
Swansea will now play struggling
Cardiff Met 1sts for a place in the
semi-finals of the BUCS cup at stake.

SPORT I 30

waterfrontonline.co.uk
American Football

Coach Keyse furious with
Swansea performance
Despite this however, Swansea
could not make it capitalise.
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
The battle for the ball was proving
tough as neither team could
establish their respective games.
The UWE Bullets took control of
UWE 1sts
the game with the first touchdown
of the game coming from a quick
SWANSEA 1sts
breakaway.
Swansea went into the break
trailing by six points.
SWANSEA head coach Nick Keyse
The Titans were now fully aware
insisted “urgent improvements” they needed to pick up their
were required following a poor offensive game in the second half.
performance against league
In reality the pressure on the
leaders UWE.
offensive team told and despite a
Offensive captain Ollie Runswick 50 yard rush by Runswick, Swansea
echoed Keyse’s words, hoping to failed to turn the tide of the game.
see improvement in coming weeks.
The poor offensive performance
“We had a slow start today and mounted more pressure on the
took too long to get into the game. defensive line-up with UWE on the
“We put too much pressure on front foot.
the defence and need to improve
Two touchdown passes and
our timing, execution and get more another run saw the home side
aggressive.”
stretch their advantage over the
Swansea started well with a kick Welsh university side to 24 points
deep into the home side’s half.
without reply.
Team
captain
Stephen
Swansea will hope they can turn
Donaldson-Ellison led the way as around their recent form with two
Swansea tried to pin the UWE side defeats from two matches played.
deep in their own half.
Keyse’s side will look to get much
The Swansea Titans then went on needed points on the board before
the offensive thanks to their strong the winter break with home games
field position.
against both Bath and Bath30/10/2012
Spa.
SMU-PGCE-hpage-waterfront-Oct12_SMU-PGCE-hpage-waterfront-Oct12
by Simon George

defeated Swansea back in October,
but Bowley remains positive.
“I thought the performance from
the team was really good today,” said
Bowley.
“Hopefully we can keep up our
winning streak, having now won our
last four.
“I know the trophy matches will

ABOUT
TRAINING
TO TEACH?

YDYCH CHI WEDI
YSTYRIED CAEL
EICH HYFFORDDI
I ADDYSGU?

PGCE SECONDARY
VACANCIES FOR
SEPTEMBER 2013

LLEOEDD GWAG
TAR UWCHRADD AR
GYFER MEDI 2013

In your final year and about to graduate
or maybe you’re uncertain about your
future and looking for a change in
career?

If you hold, or about to hold, a degree or
equivalent qualification in any of the
subjects opposite why not study for a
PGCE in secondary school teaching and
gain qualified teacher status. Teaching is
a rewarding profession which can offer
great career prospects and competitive
rates of pay.

get tougher, but I hope we can keep
up our performances.”
Swansea’s second consecutive
trophy win is even more remarkable
given that Swansea had failed to win
any of their matches last season.
The first discipline was Sabre.
Swansea dominated the Sabre,
winning 45-27, despite a strong
showing by Queen Mary’s Frederica
Sheehan-Greatorex.
The strong Swansea trio of Anna
Lawrence, Madelaine ‘Swifty’ Swift
and Megan Lillycrop proving too
much for Queen Mary’s to handle.
The second discipline was Foil.
Despite a strong 5-2 opening
bout win for Bowley, Swansea found
themselves 20-7 down after four.
Bowley returned to the piece
determined to set the record
straight, and recorded a remarkable
17-4 victory over Amber Jamshad in
just over two minutes.
Swansea went on to win the Foil
45-40.
Going into Épée, Swansea needed
just 23 points to win overall.
Consistent scoring from Bowley,
Kitty Nicholas and Zoe Beynon was
enough for Swansea to secure the
match, but sadly not the Épée.

Men’s football club host a nine hour
row and ride event for Welsh charity

Hockey

Swansea suffer
an extra time
heartbreak
by Tom Nightingale
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

DAY: A member of the men’s football club on the rowing machine.
by Craig Hadley
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

SWANSEA men’s football club
have raised over £1000 following
a charity row and ride event in
aid of Wales Air Ambulance.
Treasurer Zac Shayler urged
others to follow their example and
do more for charity, following the

AND NIGHT: The men’s football club continue to push as 6pm deadline draws closer.

success of the row and ride event.
“I definitely believe clubs should
do more,” said Shayler.
“Clubs have the availability of
willing individuals to take part at
their disposal.
“I don’t know why you don’t see
more events like this.
“You should support as many
charitable causes as you can as both
a club and as an individual.”

The football club’s target distance
was100km.
With only time against them,
Swansea’s footballers were
determined to show what they
were made of.
At the halfway mark Swansea
were on target, having rowed 50km.
As the team continued to push,
the sun set in front of them which
brought with it more issues for the

participants.
Shayler described the
temperatures they faced as “Baltic”
as the 6pm deadline approached.
Swansea men’s football finished
with an incredible 128km on the
rowing machine.
This amounts to rowing across the
English channel.
The team also rode the equivalent
of Swansea to London on the bike.

Hockey

DD MANNING

Swansea go
through on
penalties
SWANSEA 1sts (p) 0-0 CARDIFF MET 2nds

HONOUR ON THE LINE: After an impressive cup campaign last year, Swansea were forced to work hard in order to overcome a strong Cardiff Met side at Sketty Lane.
by Alex Powell
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

LAST year’s BUCS Cup semifinalists, Swansea 1sts, are
through to the quarter-finals
having narrowly beaten Cardiff
Met 2nds on penalties.
Captain Kira Davies believes
Swansea “can go all the way” in the
BUCS Cup competition following
an incredible unbeaten start to the

domestic season.
“We remain unbeaten this season
and I feel we can go all the way this
year in the cup.
“We just need to keep our focus
over the Christmas break.”
Despite the win Davies felt it was a
shame that Swansea could not finish
the game off sooner.
“It was a shame that we couldn’t
convert our opportunities that we
had within normal time,” added
Davies.

“But I thought it was an exciting
game to have been a part of.”
After an uneventful first half,
Swansea pushed hard for a winner in
the second.
With Cardiff Met on the back foot,
Swansea continued to move the ball
looking for the crucial goal.
Despite their best efforts, Cardiff
Met held out and took the game
into extra time, which also remained
goalless, which meant penalties
would decide the game.

Initial successful penalties from
Davies and Jennie Ellis were
cancelled out by Cardiff Met’s Amy
Cullen and Katie Probert.
The first lapse came from Cardiff
Met, with Swansea goalkeeper Becca
Holland’s save ensuring Swansea’s
win.
Davies praised her keeper’s efforts
following the shootout victory.
“Becca Holland made some insane
saves today and for me was the
player of the match,” said Davies.

SWANSEA 1sts

2

GLOUCS 1sts

3

A
STIRRING
second
half
comeback was not enough
for victory as Gloucestershire
knocked Swansea out of the
BUCS cup, thanks to an extra
time winner.
Captain Rory Thorburn, sidelined
by injury, praised his team’s efforts
despite defeat but was critical of the
umpires’ decisions.
“We knew we had a great
chance of winning this game,” said
Thorburn.
“The boys all knew what needed
to be done to reach the quarterfinals, but it just didn’t seem to work
for us.
“Going two nil down was very
frustrating, particularly as we felt the
first was an incorrect decision.
“I felt it shouldn’t have been a
short corner in the first place, Simon
Slabbert made a tremendous tackle
but the umpire decided to award
the short corner.
“A penalty flick was then given
due to it hitting a player on the line.
“Despite this it was a tremendous
effort to crawl back to two all, with
everyone putting in one hundred
percent.”
Having beaten Gloucestershire
1sts the previous week in the
league, Swansea were confident
going into the cup tie.
Nick Lampkin’s, controversially
given; penalty flick was the only
thing separating the two sides after
a cagey first half.
Inside the first five minutes of the
second half, a second penalty flick
was awarded.
Lampkin converted again to put
Gloucestershire two up and leave
Swansea with it all to do.
Swansea
bombarded
the
Gloucestershire area in the next 20
minutes and finally broke through
on the hour mark, with Sam Heaver
pouncing on a penalty corner
rebound.
There was one last twist to come
in normal time.
In the penultimate minute of the
game; Andrew Willemite found
space in the box to drill in a superb
equaliser and take the game into
extra time.
Having shown excellent spirit to
fight back from two down, Swansea
were caught out by a sucker punch
in the first period of extra time.
Gloucester sealed the game
when a fortuitous deflection
wrong-footed Gerrard and found its
way into the Swansea goal.

sport
ANTHONY BARBAT

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Issue 222

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All of our articles throughout the
year can be found on our website,
it’s updated regularly so check it
out today !

10 December 2012

TEAM SUCCESS
AS GRIFFITHS
WINS AT BRAIDS

Inside This Issue
Fencing

Inspirational Bowley leads
Swansea to another win

p30
Rugby Union

JESSICA LANGR

Cup run continues for
Freshers’ team after win

p29
SWANSEA SENSATION: Swansea University student Dewi Griffiths (above) is on top form this year, culminating in his Braids Hill victory in Edinburgh.
by Alex Cole
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

SWANSEA University athletics and
cross country club has achieved
its most successful finish at Braid
Hills since the beginning of the
competition back in 2002.
The men’s team finished in 4th
with the women’s team finishing in
9th, both surpassing previous bests,
a feat that pleased Swansea’s club

BUCS - Dec 2011
1
2
3
4
5

Loughborough
Durham
Bath
Exeter
Birmingham

19 Stirling
20 Swansea
21 Brunel

2114
1543
1540
1351
1342
708
699
694

captain Richard Mann.
“The teams put in a great
performance at Braid Hills,” said Mann.
“Both the men’s and women’s
teams achieved their highest team
positions in years.
“We also had quality individual runs
from both Dewi Griffiths and CeriAnne Santos.”
Dewi Griffiths starred as he was
crowned the men’s champion
eclipsing the previous Swansea best
of twelfth; held by Ross Macdonald.

Griffiths completed the race in
31.26, a whole minute ahead of his
nearest rival.
Edinburgh-based James Waldie
finished second with Cambridge
runner Sullivan Smith completing the
podium places.
In the women’s race Ceri-Anne
Santos finished in a very respectful
23rd, Swansea’s fourth ever quickest
time, with Leeds-based Lucy Crookes
winning the event.
The fastest in Swansea women’s

Selected Results from Weeks 8 & 9

history is held by Holly Lawrence who
finished in 6th in 2009.
The annual pilgrimage to Edinburgh
for BUCS due to its popularity with
many university teams in Scotland,
Wales and England competing.
The course features fierce uphill
and steep downhill sections which
makes the event a tough feat for any
competitor.
Mann admitted the course is “one
of the toughest of the season” that
Swansea compete at.